getting-started

# Claude Code Quickstart

## Installation

### NPM Installation

**Requirements:** Node.js 18+

```bash
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
```

### Native Installer (Beta)

**Homebrew (macOS):**
```bash
brew install --cask claude-code
```

**macOS/Linux/WSL:**
```bash
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
```

**Windows PowerShell:**
```powershell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```

### Verify Installation

```bash
claude --version
```

## Authentication

### First Login

Start an interactive session and authenticate:
```bash
claude
/login
```

### Authentication Options

**Claude.ai (Recommended):**
- Subscription-based
- Easiest setup
- Best for individual developers

**Claude Console:**
- API access with prepaid credits
- Good for teams and enterprises
- Requires API key setup

**Note:** Credentials are stored securely and you won't need to log in again unless you explicitly log out.

## Basic Workflow

### 1. Start a Session

Navigate to your project directory:
```bash
cd /path/to/your/project
claude
```

### 2. Explore Your Codebase

Ask natural language questions:
```
"what does this project do?"
"where is the main entry point?"
"how does authentication work?"
"show me the API endpoints"
```

### 3. Make Code Changes

Request modifications:
```
"add a new function to validate email addresses"
"refactor the user controller for better error handling"
"add unit tests for the authentication module"
```

**Approval process:**
- Claude requests approval before modifying files
- Review changes in the diff viewer
- Approve individually or enable "Accept all" mode

### 4. Git Operations

Use conversational prompts:
```
"what files have I changed?"
"commit my changes with a descriptive message"
"create a pull request for this feature"
```

## Essential Commands

### Interactive Mode

| Command | Purpose |
|---------|---------|
| `claude` | Start interactive mode |
| `claude "task"` | Run single task then exit |
| `/help` | Show available commands